The Ohio State University’s Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society recently hosted a significant dialogue on the role of research universities in educating future U.S. citizens. The event featured a conversation between Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. and Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels at the Ohio Union.
Chase Center Executive Director Lee J. Strang highlighted the center’s mission, which aims to address the lack of essential civic knowledge among Americans and the loss of civil discourse in society. “Together, these have led to a worrisome polarization of American life and a precipitous drop in trust in American higher education,” Strang noted.
The discussion centered around the responsibility of universities in preparing students for active participation in a democracy. Carter emphasized that Ohio State’s role is not to dictate what to think, but how to think critically. “Our mission is to take these young people who are on our campus and show them we are a force for good,” he stated.
Daniels pointed out the necessity for education in understanding democratic values and institutions. “You don’t inherit an understanding of democracy through the gene pool. You have got to be educated for it,” he asserted. He also stressed the need for students to learn how to engage in civic dialogue and coalition-building.
Both presidents highlighted the integration of research and citizenship education. Carter mentioned that students are drawn to Ohio State for its diverse student organizations and opportunities for dialogue. The university’s new “Listen. Learn. Discuss.” platform is designed to foster meaningful conversations on campus.
The Chase Center will offer its first classes this fall and plans to extend this education to all students at Ohio State. A recent $3 million donation from the Stanton Foundation will support the center’s scholars and programs, emphasizing the importance of First Amendment rights and informed citizenry.
This event was co-sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Human Values (CEHV), the Institute for Democratic Engagement and Accountability (IDEA), and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
